Tag Archives: Wilkhahn

In January we published an article on the new legislation that theoretically puts an end to fake classics in the UK market and in which we also bemoaned a lack of new classic designs. This series aims to showcase new designs that we think may be the classics of the next generation.

First up is Occo, the new multi-functional side chair from German manufacturer Wilkhahn.

For Wilkhahn, designers Markus Jehs and Jürgen Laub have come up with a chair and table range which is perfectly coordinated with one another. Occo combines enormous versatility and a vast choice of design options with a clear and immediately identifiable design language. Occo was launched at Orgatec last October and is already winner of a 2017 IF Design Award.

Occo shares a family resemblance to the Graph chair (left), also by Jehs & Laub

The characteristic shape of the seat and backrest shell is reminiscent of the Wilkhahn Graph chair, also by Jehs & Laub, and is a perfect complimentary product. The seat itself is very rigid, but the back is exceptionally flexible due to its shape and the different thicknesses of the material. Four frame types, three types of cushioning and six shells produce a total of 72 variants that respond to virtually all functional and design requirements.

Following 10 years at Riverside Studios, Leeds, we’ve undertaken a reboot of our working showroom to highlight current and emerging trends in workplace design as well as showcasing some products that, quite simply, we like too much not to show! Launched at our CoWo15 Reboot event last Thursday, the new showroom can now be officially revealed. So, if you were unable to attend the event last week; this is us. Welcome to our World!

Our reception area now features a selection of leather classics from Vitra, Knoll Studio and Walter Knoll, showcasing designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Eero Saarinen and Preben Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm. Piero Lissoni’s luxurious Avio sofa system by Knoll Studio provides the central statement piece.

From KI, the EC4 bench system keys into the current biophilic design trend and features solid oak splayed legs and a matching laminate edge detail to give a softer and more naturalistic look. In common with other KI systems it incorporates a sturdy metal understructure with a comprehensive cable management trough. Intended as an agile work/meeting base we’ve completed the bench with CMD’s Inca power/charger unit. Inca has been designed with communal working areas and meeting rooms in mind. Four usable faces allow users easy access to power and USB charging regardless of where they are positioned around the table.

Sit-stand workstations are increasingly a requirement rather than a luxury and more systems are entering the market to suit a variety of budgets. We’re showcasing Vitra’s Tyde system by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, in our opinion one of the better back-to-back systems with its clever cable management solution and accessories.

Also from Vitra and again by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec is the Alcove Cabin. The Alcove Cabin provides a secluded space, enclosed on all sides and accessible through a single opening. It provides visual and acoustic privacy for small meetings at the table and power connections and lighting allow it to serve as a fully-fledged workspace. Alcove was the original high back sofa concept; copied many times it has sparked a small revolution in workplace meeting areas developing into the agile working ethos.

The agile working theme continues into our new breakout space with the ADD modular sofa and table and Kipu stools from lapalma. ADD’s slimline aesthetic belies its strong structure. The area is nicely screened by the Howe Spaghetti wall providing a psychological barrier that is open enough to invite you into the space and yet also provides a modicum of privacy.

Psychologists, physiotherapists and orthopaedists all agree that physical activity is vital if we want to stay fit and healthy. But it’s the whole of our body that’s important and not just our backs and joints. Taking enough exercise helps us to cope with stress, to feel happy and to make us more productive. Wilkhahn’s engineers and designers started with this premise and developed their patented 3D kinematics system called Trimension. Previously found on their executive ON chair, Wilkhahn have now developed the IN chair and made this ground breaking technology possible for the wider workplace environment.

In this case, form and function are on an equal footing. IN’s athletic aesthetic is a perfection mix of ingenious design with first-class materials, appealing finishes and innovative manufacturing processes. The unitary seat and back construction has different levels of elasticity and is made in one piece using cutting-edge technology. It’s also connected with the swivel arms, both of which can be moved separately, via distinctive pivotal points. The backrest cover has been designed to match precisely. It’s made from especially developed 3D Formstrick, produced under computer-controlled conditions. Similarly to high-end trainers, the different thickness and zones aren’t just attractive, but also offer the body perfect support. Just take a seat, adjust the height and turn the knob in the middle to change the counter pressure.

IN is available to try in our showroom now. Why not contact us to book an appointment? We’re sure you and IN will never want to part.